Below the jump, is a post I first wrote for the Bloggernacle Timeson 09/23/06. We were several years into the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the natural abuses of war were being made manifest. Here we are almost five years later and the United States still maintains troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, for reasons that frankly escape me (particularly in light of the extreme heat–but very little light–generated by the far right about deficits, balanced budgets, and the like). Regardless, I think the message behind Christ’s injunction, i.e., The Golden Rule, is as relevant and important today as they ever were–even in times of war.

Dick Cheney, one of the primary architects of the Iraq war, and of the Bush Administration torture policies has just publishedhis long anticipated autobiography–so called. In it, Mr. Cheney makes no apologies and pitches his torture philosophy all over again. He did the same in a recent interview at media friendly Fox News Sunday. I find the idea is still antithetical to Christ’s teaching of treating others as we would be treated.

The links in the old post should all work (at least the vast majority of the ones I tested did). You may have to wait a minute for the link to actually link through to the original source, as it first takes you to the cached web page of the provider first, then takes you to the actual original link. (more…)

In keeping with a Christmas tradition, I again post The Wall Street Journal’svenerable Christmas Eve Editorial, written by the late Vermont Royster. May we rejoice in the hope of a brighter future of greater freedom and light for all people made possible by the Birth of the literal Son of God:(more…)

Time again for the Semi Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints–Mormon General Conference. LDS Media Talk has a great post with several links on how best to enjoy this year’s October Conference. There are also several Blogernacle Links where you can follow conference: Of course there is the By Common Consent Threads–i.e., The One and Only True General Conference Thread (psst–don’t tell them, but they think they’re the only ‘nacle link out there for General Conference). Chris H over at FPR has an open thread, mingling the philosophies of men, with conference (and being the social justice guru I know him to be, it will also include the philosophies of women as well). M* also has an open thread. If you Tweet, the follow #ldsconf for pithy 140 character summaries. Should be a great 5 sessions. Come listen to Prophets, Seers and Revelators–messengers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and mold your life accordingly . . .

[Admin Note: The following Guest Post was written by Warner Woodworth, who is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and Strategy in the Marriott School, Brigham Young University. Of course his post expresses only his personal opinions and thoughts. It does not in anyway reflect any official position Brigham Young University, or its Board of Trustees, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is also an author or co-author of a variety of articles and books, including “Working Toward Zion” and “United for Zion,” among others.] (more…)

[Admin Note: The following post is currently posted over at Patheos.com. For those who have not visited Patheos, you can read about the site in this review at Times and Seasons, and of course visit Patheos yourself and see their content. They are also running an opposing view point by Nate Oman. If you are so inclined to comment, please do so over at Patheos, as I have closed comments for this post over here.] (more…)